Paw Paw Pie
Paw Paw Pie offers a delightful tropical flavor with the unique sweetness of paw paw fruit, complemented by a rich, flaky crust and fluffy meringue topping. Perfect for those who enjoy fruity desserts with a hint of exotic flair, it’s an inviting treat for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the paw paw and remove the seeds.
- Cook the paw paw with sugar, milk, and egg in an open kettle until thickened.
- Pour the cooked mixture into an unbaked pie crust.
- Bake the pie until the crust is baked and golden.
- Cover the pie with meringue and brown until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the cooked paw paw mixture instead of leaving it chunky. If you can't find fresh paw paw, ripe bananas can be a good substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. Make sure to use a pre-made pie crust for convenience, or try a graham cracker crust for a different take. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Paw Paw Pie chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Southern Gingerbread for added warmth and spice. This pie also goes well with fresh seasonal fruits or a light salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Paw Paw Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paw Paw Pie contains roughly 139 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen paw paw instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen paw paw, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help maintain the pie's consistency and prevent it from becoming too watery.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). This will help bind the ingredients without altering the flavor significantly.
How do I make the meringue for the pie?
To make meringue, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the pie filling and bake until golden. Make sure the pie is completely cool before adding the meringue to prevent it from weeping.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).